Tyler O'Neal, Staff Editor GOVERNMENT

UNF launches new Ph.D. in computing program

The University of North Florida in Jacksonville has unveiled its first Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program, to add to the other prestigious doctoral programs offered at UNF. The new Ph.D. in Computing is now accepting applications and will open in Fall 2024.  

While UNF already offers professional doctoral degrees such as the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and the Doctor of Education Degree (EdD), the new Ph.D. in Computing is a traditional research-based doctorate and can lead to research-focused careers in academia, industry or government. 

“As UNF's first Ph.D. program, this serves as an important step in UNF’s evolution as a top research university,” said Dr. William (Chip) Klostermeyer, dean of UNF’s College of Computing, Engineering and Construction. “It will help us recruit new faculty and students as well as enable new partnerships with local industry, other universities and funding agencies. We spent many years working to establish a Ph.D. in the School of Computing and are very proud to have finally received approval.”  

The program offers students an advanced, research-based education in computing to prepare students for research and development roles in private and public sectors and for collegiate academic positions. The curriculum focuses on intelligent systems and cybersecurity, preparing students to conduct research and study a wide range of computing topics, including AI, data mining, computer security and algorithms. Concentrations in cybersecurity and intelligent systems will be available.  

The cybersecurity concentration is focused on studying the concepts, theories and security foundations of computing and communication systems to develop innovative solutions for enhancing the security of computing environments and to contribute to cybersecurity literature. 

The intelligent systems concentration focuses on studying theories, concepts and systems inspired by the intelligent behaviors of humans, species and biological systems. The program encourages multidisciplinary research approaches and prioritizes research problems with direct economic and community impacts.  

For more information and to apply, visit the Ph.D. in Computing webpage. 

ASME appoints Christine Reilley as Managing Director of Publishing

Tyler O'Neal, Staff Editor GOVERNMENT

Christine Reilley has been appointed managing director of publishing for The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), reporting to Chief Operating Officer Jeff Patterson. One of the largest technical publishing operations in the world, ASME offers thousands of titles including some of the engineering profession's most prestigious peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, and ASME Press e-books.

“With this appointment, ASME reaffirms our longstanding commitment to support global research communities through the production and distribution of high-quality journals, conference proceedings and new content types,” said Jeff Patterson, ASME’s chief operating officer. “Christine’s deep background in strategy, innovation, and publishing workflows makes her the ideal leader to accelerate our efforts to raise impact factors, improve paper submission and review processes, and increase subscriber satisfaction.”

Reilley began her tenure with ASME more than 20 years ago in the publishing department as an editor, overseeing the production of codes and standards from manuscript to final bound and digital product. In 2012, she moved to the emerging technologies unit, leading the development of content and conferences in the areas of bioengineering, nanotechnology, thermofluids, and materials. She also served as staff lead for the bioengineering/healthcare team and the engineering sciences segment. Most recently, she was managing director of strategy and innovation for ASME.

Reilley earned a Master of Science degree in biomedical engineering with a concentration in tissue engineering and biomaterials from the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Rutgers University, Douglass College.

Woolpert hires Damien Kerr: A boost for national security

Tyler O'Neal, Staff Editor GOVERNMENT

In a strategic move aimed at strengthening its support for federal agencies and advancing national security objectives, Woolpert has announced the hiring of Geospatial Intelligence Leader Damien Kerr.

Kerr's appointment marks a significant milestone in Woolpert's commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions to federal clients and contributing to national security endeavors.